Page:The German Novelists (Volume 3).djvu/94

 being known to the villagers by that name,) “and the tradition is true enough. How did he look? what said he? and more than all, what did he do?”

Frank, aware of mine host’s roguery, replied, “How should he look! as a man in a red mantle does; what he did is evident to any one; and I shall always take care to remember his words. ‘Kind stranger,’ he said, ‘trust not the landlord who dwells opposite, he knew too well what would happen to you. But leave him to me, I will reward him. I am going to leave the castle, and will take up my quarters at his inn—I will pinch and plague him to the end of his life; unless, indeed, he consent to receive you in his house, and treat you handsomely, until your hair and beard be again full grown.

Our poor host trembled sadly at hearing this threat; he crossed himself, and swore by the Holy Virgin that he would be glad to give Frank the run of his house as long as he pleased. He forthwith conducted his guest to the inn, and waited upon him, with the utmost obsequiousness, himself.

Our hero obtained great reputation as an exorcist, for the spectre was no longer to be heard at the Castle. He often went to sleep there, and a young fellow, who had courage to accompany him, returned without a shaven head. The owner of the Castle, hearing that the spectre had disappeared, sent orders, with great alacrity, to have the stranger